Human papillomavirus (HPV) and cancer

Abstract

Each year, more than half a million women in the world are diagnosed with cervical cancer, usually associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) infec-tion. Although most HPV infections resolve within 2 years, some viral types, particularly HPV16, can persist for decades and cause different types of cancer, being the cervical type the most common. The natural history of high-risk HPV infection and the pro-longed period in which its progression occurs, allows for the prevention of the disease. High-risk HPV infection that progresses to cancer includes several processes such as viral genome integration, uncontrolled cell division, and the participation of cellular and epigenetic changes. The conventional Pap smear test that has been practiced as a screening method for more than 50 years continues to be used, especially in low-and middle-income countries, but it is being replaced by other methods such as molecular tests that directly detect the presence of the virus, with greater effectiveness as a screening test. In 2014, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Colombia developed a clinical practice guide for the detection and management of premalignant cervical lesions, in which the DNA-HPV test is recommended for initial screening in women over 30 years. So far, positive results have been found with the implementation of the test, however, additional studies are required to confirm these findings given its importance in controlling the morbidity and mortality associated with the infection.